05/12/2025 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB167 | |
| HB35 | |
| SB9 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 167 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 35 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 9 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE
May 12, 2025
1:43 p.m.
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Matt Claman, Chair
Senator Jesse Kiehl, Vice Chair
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Robert Myers
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Gary Stevens
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 167
"An Act relating to a permanent fund dividend for an individual
whose conviction has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed; and
relating to the calculation of the value of the permanent fund
dividend by including payment to individuals eligible for a
permanent fund dividend because of a conviction that has been
vacated, reversed, or dismissed."
- MOVED CSSB 167(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 35(STA)
"An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices
by prisoners."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 9
"An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for
an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 9(JUD) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 167
SHORT TITLE: CRIM. CONV. OVERTURNED: RECEIVE PAST PFD
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) KAWASAKI
04/10/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/10/25 (S) STA, JUD
04/24/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/24/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/24/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/01/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/01/25 (S) Moved CSSB 167(STA) Out of Committee
05/01/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/02/25 (S) STA RPT CS 2DP 2NR SAME TITLE
05/02/25 (S) DP: KAWASAKI, GRAY-JACKSON
05/02/25 (S) NR: WIELECHOWSKI, BJORKMAN
05/07/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
05/07/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/07/25 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
05/12/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: HB 35
SHORT TITLE: PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HIMSCHOOT
01/22/25 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (H) CRA, STA
02/20/25 (H) CRA AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124
02/20/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/20/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
02/25/25 (H) CRA AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124
02/25/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/25/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
02/27/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
02/27/25 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
03/13/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/13/25 (H) Moved CSHB 35(CRA) Out of Committee
03/13/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/14/25 (H) CRA RPT CS(CRA) 3DP 3AM
03/14/25 (H) DP: HALL, MEARS, HIMSCHOOT
03/14/25 (H) AM: HOLLAND, PRAX, RUFFRIDGE
03/27/25 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/27/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/27/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/29/25 (H) STA AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/29/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/29/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/08/25 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/08/25 (H) Moved CSHB 35(STA) Out of Committee
04/08/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/09/25 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) 5DP 1DNP 1NR
04/09/25 (H) DP: MOORE, HOLLAND, HIMSCHOOT, STORY,
CARRICK
04/09/25 (H) DNP: MCCABE
04/09/25 (H) NR: VANCE
05/02/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
05/02/25 (H) VERSION: CSHB 35(STA)
05/05/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/05/25 (S) JUD
05/07/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
05/07/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/07/25 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
05/12/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 9
SHORT TITLE: SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MYERS
01/22/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) HSS, JUD
02/20/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/20/25 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
02/25/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/25/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/25/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
02/27/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/27/25 (S) <Above Item Removed from Agenda>--
02/27/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
03/13/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/13/25 (S) Moved CSSB 9(HSS) Out of Committee
03/13/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
03/14/25 (S) HSS RPT CS 2NR 1DP SAME TITLE
03/14/25 (S) NR: DUNBAR, GIESSEL
03/14/25 (S) DP: HUGHES
03/31/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/31/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/31/25 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
04/11/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/11/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/11/25 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
05/12/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
GENEVIEVE WOJTUSIK, Director
Permanent Fund Dividend Division
Department of Revenue
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 167.
NANCY MEADE, General Counsel
Administrative Offices
Alaska Court System
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 167.
BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff
Senator Matt Claman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the Explanation of Changes for HB
35 from version T to version O.
APRIL WILKERSON, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Corrections
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
HB 35.
BRANDON JONES, Superintendent
Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
HB 35.
BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff
Senator Matt Claman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the Explanation of Changes for
SB 9 from version G to version T.
JOE KELSEY, Co-Founder and Senior Project Coordinator
Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Woodburn, Indiana
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation and answered
questions during the discussion of SB9.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:43:44 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN called the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
meeting to order at 1:43 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Senators Myers, Kiehl, Tobin, and Chair Claman.
SB 167-CRIM. CONV. OVERTURNED: RECEIVE PAST PFD
[CSSB 167(STA) was before the committee.]
1:44:18 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 167
"An Act relating to a permanent fund dividend for an individual
whose conviction has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed; and
relating to the calculation of the value of the permanent fund
dividend by including payment to individuals eligible for a
permanent fund dividend because of a conviction that has been
vacated, reversed, or dismissed."
CHAIR CLAMAN said this is the second hearing of SB 167 in the
Senate Judiciary Committee. The intention is to look to the will
of the committee to report the bill out.
1:44:51 PM
SENATOR MYERS asked page 1, line 12 having to make sure the
dismal was ? part of the plea agreement.
1:45:54 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN noted Ms. Wojtusik from the Permanent Fund
Division, Department of Revenue is available to answer
questions.
1:46:09 PM
SENATOR MYERS expressed that he is happy to get an answer from
whomever is most knowledgeable.
1:46:25 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN directed the question to Ms. Wojtusik as some of
the questions are specific to eligibility.
1:46:42 PM
GENEVIEVE WOJTUSIK, Director, Permanent Fund Dividend Division,
Department of Revenue, Juneau, Alaska, Answered questions during
the discussion of SB 167.
1:47:28 PM
SENATOR MYERS asked if then is there the possibility that a
previous conviction, conviction vacated as parat of a plea deal
that
1:48:29 PM
MS. WOJTUSIK deferred to courts or legal.
1:48:38 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN directed question to Ms. Meade.
1:48:53 PM
NANCY MEADE, General Counsel, Administrative Offices, Alaska
Court System, Anchorage, Alaska, Answered questions during the
discussion of SB 167. If a person spends some time incarcerated.
1:50:21 PM
SENATOR MYERS satisfied.
1:50:38 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN solicited the will of the committee.
1:50:41 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to report CSSB 167(STA), work order 34-
LS0491\N, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
1:50:57 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN found no objection and CSSB 167(STA) was reported
from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.
1:51:01 PM
At ease.
HB 35-PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE
1:52:33 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 35(STA) "An Act relating
to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners."
CHAIR CLAMAN said that this is the second hearing of HB 35 in
the Senate Judiciary Committee. SCS CSHB 35, version H, was
adopted in the previous hearing. [The intent is to consider
adoption of a new Senate committee substitute (SCS), version O.]
1:52:49 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN solicited a motion.
1:52:54 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt the Senate committee substitute
(SCS) for CSHB 35, work order 34-LS0355\O, as the working
document.
1:53:09 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN objected for purposes of discussion.
1:53:21 PM
BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff, Senator Matt Claman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, Presented the Explanation of
Changes for HB 35 from version T to version O.
[Original punctuation provided.]
House Bill 35: Version T to Version O
Page 3, lines 16-18:
Insert: "or as a substitution for in-person
visitation, receiving mail, receiving medical
services, or other in-person communication"
Page 2, following line 21:
Insert new subsection to read: "(f) The
commissioner may not replace in-person visitation with
the use of a computer or electronic tablet. To the
extent practicable, the commissioner may not replace
an existing program or service provided to a prisoner
for the purpose of rehabilitation with the use of a
computer or electronic tablet authorized under
(a)(3)(I) of this section. A computer or electronic
tablet may be used only to supplement an existing
program or service."
Page 3, line 24:
Conforming changes.
1:54:28 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN removed his objection and SCS CSHB 35 was adopted
as the working document.
CHAIR CLAMAN noted that the superintendent from Hiland Mountain
Correctional Facility and the deputy commissioner from the
Department of Corrections (DOC) were available to answer
questions. He invited committee members to ask questions.
1:55:10 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked
1:56:07 PM
APRIL WILKERSON, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Corrections,
Juneau, Alaska, Answered questions during the discussion of HB
35. Sought clarification the question pertained to how DOC would
protect inmates who utilized tablets from cyber phishing and
theft.
1:56:46 PM
SENATOR TOBIN answered in the affirmative.
MS. WILKERSON responded that the program is operated by a third
vendor who ensures
1:57:30 PM
SENATOR TOBIN curious if there has been convo in the department
about general literacy, knowing that any of those skills might
have been developed, lacking the muscle
MS. WILKERSON replied that
1:58:58 PM
BRANDON JONES, Superintendent, Hiland Mountain Correctional
Facility, Eagle River, Alaska, Answered questions during the
discussion of HB 35.
2:00:15 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN asked subsection (f) in the SCS, what happens if it
is not an existing program, but a new program only offered as an
online course, does (f) mean the leg will have to amend this sub
2:00:57 PM
MS. WILKERSON replied that she would defer to the policy, but
our understanding behind the intent identify effiecies in
processes as well as in expanding the services to inmate
population, some switching to an online platform, capture both
when the tablets are the option.
2:02:12 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN found no further questions and invited the bill
sponsor to make comments.
2:02:19 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN held SCS CSHB 35, version 0, in committee.
SB 9-SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE
2:02:22 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 9
"An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for
an effective date."
CHAIR CLAMAN said this is the third hearing of SB 9 in the
Senate Judiciary Committee. [The committee adopted Amendment 3
to CSSB 9(HSS), version G, in the previous hearing.] The
intention is to consider the adoption of committee substitute
version T.
2:02:37 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN solicited a motion.
2:02:40 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for
SB 9, work order 34-LS0085\T, as the working document.
2:02:55 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN objected for purposes of discussion.
2:03:06 PM
BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff, Senator Matt Claman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, Presented the Explanation of
Changes for SB 9 from version G to version T.
[Original punctuation provided.]
Explanation of Changes
Senate Bill 9: Version G to Version T
Page 2, line 15-17:
Removes the authority of the Commissioner of the
Department of Family to designate additional
appropriate locations for an infant safety device
beyond the approved listed designated facilities as
requested by the department.
Page 4, lines 4-8:
Deletes assessment considerations for determining
whether to approve a proposed infant safety device and
adds the requirement that the infant safety device
must be installed, operated, and maintained according
to the manufacturer's guidelines and regulations that
are adopted by the Department.
Adds that the infant safety devices must be
inspected upon installation and annually by the
manufacturer or the manufacture's designee, and
inspected monthly by the designated facility that
installed the device. These inspections are required
to be logged by the designated facility and must
include the testing of the device's alarms, cameras,
climate control systems, and locks.
2:04:31 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked about page 4, lines 4 5 6 7 who covers the
cost
2:05:00 PM
SENATOR MYERS, speaking as sponsor, replied
2:06:20 PM
SENATOR TOBIN who is going to pay for the cost of the
inspection.
2:07:07 PM
SENATOR MYERS said an individual from Safe Haven Baby Boxes is
available to answer questions, the manufacturer could
potentially be a small cost to the fire department, but they do
not have to install one,
2:08:06 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN perspective on the language in subparagraph 6 on
page 4, the language that reads upon installation , tend to
implies that it is on them to pay for the inspection there is
noting to suggest Baby Boxes is online
2:08:54 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN invited Mr. Kelsey to introduce himself, describe
his position with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, and make a brief
statement about his perspective on SB 9, then remain online to
take questions.
2:09:11 PM
JOE KELSEY, Co-Founder and Senior Project Coordinator, Safe
Haven Baby Boxes, Woodburn, Indiana, Testified by invitation and
answered questions during the discussion of SB9. Safe Haven Baby
Boxes (SHBB) has an initial program fee, which covers the
manufacture of the baby box plus the initial training and
testing for the baby box to go to the location. The location
typically pays for a contractor to install the baby box, and/or
hooking an alarm system up it. Speaking about a fire station,
the alarm communicates with the dispatch center locally to that
station. Annual fee.
2:10:47 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN asked $500 fee of getting someone there, so one of
the queries I have
2:11:30 PM
MR. KELSEY replied, it is $500, but does anticipate the cost
will be higher to get there, airfare, hotel, car, no profit, we
check the mechanics of the box, answer questions, bring more
supplies, we want to make sure the locat
2:12:42 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN in the other states where you have boxes setup
today, do you have someone in Los A
2:13:03 PM
MR. KELSEY
2:13:06 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN and is there
2:13:15 PM
MR. KELSEY replied that we do not use a contractor, 72 hour turn
around,
2:13:56 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN do you have boxes in Hawaii
MR. KELSEY replied no, AZ and ID two farthest places
2:14:16 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked the inspection process, like looking at a
fire extinguisher, or bed,who regulates you
MR. KELSEY replied that he has a letter from the FDA that they
are not
2:15:38 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN invited the bill sponsor to make closing comments.
SENATOR MYERS expressed appreciation to the committee and the
DOF?for helping put the bill together.
2:16:11 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN based on Mr. Kelsey's testimony it is not a $500
cost to do the inspection
2:16:30 PM
SENATOR MYERS I understand your concern, but at the outset the
cost will be discussed and ti will be something to plan cost
for, but it is important
[CHAIR CLAMAN removed his objection to the adoption of CSSB 9,
version T, as the working document.]
2:17:05 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN solicited the will of the committee.
2:17:07 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to report CSSB 9, work order 34-LS0085\T,
from committee with individual recommendations and any
accompanying fiscal note(s).
2:17:26 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN found no objection and CSSB 9(JUD) was reported
from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.
2:17:49 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Claman adjourned the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
meeting at 2:17 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| CSHB 35 version O 5.12.25.pdf |
SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| CSSB 9 version T.pdf |
SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 9 |
| HB 35 Explanation of Changes version T to version O 5.12.25.pdf |
SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| SB 9 Explanation of Changes version G to version T 5.12.25.pdf |
SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 9 |
| SB 9 Letter of Support- City of Fairbanks 4.23.2025.pdf |
SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 9 |
| Corrected HB 35 Explanation of Changes version T to version O 5.12.25.pdf |
SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 35 |